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ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:How likely are Americans to be deficient in vitamins or minerals?

Answer:
Based on the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2012, about 10% or less of the general population had nutrition deficiencies for selected vitamin and minerals. The rates of deficiency are shown below along with some notable differences by age, gender, and race/ethnicity:

Vitamin A: Less than 1%. However, 2% were at risk for excess vitamin A, with older adults most likely to be at-risk for excess vitamin A (4.8%).

Vitamin B-12: 2%. Older adults are the most likely to be deficient (4%)

Vitamin C: 6%. Men (7%) were more likely to be deficient than women (5%)

Vitamin D: 8.1% (with deficiency defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 12 ng/mL). An additional 24% were at-risk for inadequacy (level of 12 ng/mL to to 20 ng/mL). Non-Hispanic black (31%) and Mexican American (12%) people were more likely to be deficient than non-Hispanic white people (3%).

Folate: Less than 1%. Deficiency has decreased since mandatory folic acid fortification of enriched cereal grain products in 1998, raising levels by about 50%.

Iron: 6.7% deficient. Among women ages 12 to 29, 9.5% were deficient, as were 6.7% of children ages 1 to 5. There were higher rates of iron deficiency in Mexican-American children aged 1 to 5 years (11%) and in non-Hispanic black (16%) and Mexican-American women (13%) of childbearing age (12 to 49 years) when compared to other race/ethnic groups. Few men were deficient in iron, but 29% were at risk for iron excess.

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:Is it better to get vitamins from foods or supplements, and are natural vitamins better than synthetic vitamins?

Answer:It is generally best to get your vitamins (as well as minerals) naturally from foods or, in the case of vitamin D, controlled sun exposure. For example, recent research on the mineral calcium suggests that it is safest to get your calcium from foods that are naturally rich in calcium than from supplements. Older women who get high amounts of calcium from supplements seem to have a higher risk of kidney stones, strokes, and even a greater risk of dying over periods of time. A small increased risk of death has also been seen in studies of people taking supplements containing vitamin A and beta-carotene compared to those who did not.

Exceptions to the "foods are better" rule are two B vitamins. Ten to thirty percent of older people don't properly digest and absorb natural vitamin B-12 from foods, so it is recommended to get B-12 from a supplement if you are over age 50. Folic acid (vitamin B-9) from supplements and fortified foods is absorbed twice as well as from regular food. Consequently, pregnant woman are advised to get folic acid from a supplement (or fortified food) as well as regular foods. Also keep in mind that if you get your iron from plant foods, it is absorbed only half as well as iron from meat -- although eating your spinach (or iron supplement) with a source of vitamin C will boost the absorption of its iron.

Using supplements made from whole foods won't necessarily give you more vitamins (in fact, they typically contain more modest amounts of vitamins than other dietary supplements), but you will get other plant compounds which could be of potential benefit (as well as some grams of fiber if you are consuming, for example, spoonfuls of a whole food powder as opposed to a pill). Paying a premium price for this, however, may not be worthwhile and ConsumerLab.com has found lead contamination in some whole food and "greens" products.

Regarding natural vs. synthetic forms of vitamins in dietary supplements, sometimes natural is better, sometimes synthetic is better, and sometimes it doesn't matter. Keep in mind that all can help prevent or treat deficiencies and other conditions, and nearly all are known to be harmful at too high a dose.

Natural may be better in the case of vitamin E. At low doses, either natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) or synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol) can be fine, although you need more IUs of synthetic (1.6 IU) to get the same amount of active vitamin E as from 1 IU of natural vitamin E. There is also a greater risk of bleeding problems with synthetic vitamin E at high doses, so that the upper limit for vitamin E for adults is 1,100 IU of synthetic vitamin E, but 1,500 IU of natural vitamin E. Naturally, vitamin E also contains other tocopherols and tocotrienols, which may have benefit. However, ConsumerLab.com tests show that not all "natural" vitamin E products contain these additional natural compounds.

Natural may also be better with vitamin K. A form of vitamin K-2, known as MK-7, naturally derived from fermented soy beans and used in supplements is better at raising vitamin K levels than supplements with synthetic K-1 or synthetic K-2, known as MK-4.

Natural or synthetic sources are both fine for getting vitamin C. Rose hips or acerola or synthetically produced vitamin C all provide the same compound -- ascorbic acid. The inclusion of citrus bioflavonoids (naturally present or added) may improve absorption.

Sometimes synthetic forms of vitamins offer advantages over natural forms. A synthetic form of niacin (vitamin B-3) called inositol hexanicotinate, for example, causes less flushing of the skin than niacin.

Use the links above to get more information about each vitamin or mineral, including ConsumerLab.com's tests and reviews of supplements containing those nutrients. For recommended daily intakes of these and other vitamins and minerals also see the Recommended Daily Intake tables, which includes upper intake limits.

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:I'm thinking of changing my multivitamin, but the one I'm considering doesn't contain molybdenum. Most others have it. How important is molybdenum?

Molybdenum is an essential nutrient, but deficiency in the U.S. is rare (although more common in certain parts of China). Only a very small amount of molybdenum is needed (17 to 50 micrograms per day). This is easily obtained through foods such as beans, peas, lentils, grains, leafy vegetables, liver, and nuts -- so you need not worry if molybdenum is not in your multivitamin if some of these are part of your normal diet.

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:The maker of my multivitamin says it doesn't include folic acid because too much from supplements can be harmful. Is that true?

Answer:Although folic acid is an essential B vitamin with important functions, there are legitimate concerns about getting too much folic acid from supplements and fortified foods. For example, a high daily dose of folic acid from a supplement has been associated with a more than doubling of the risk of prostate cancer. High doses of folic acid from supplements can also complicate the diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency and cause kidney damage. For details about how much is too much, and how this compares to the amounts of folic acid in the many popular multivitamins and B vitamins we've tested, see the Multivitamin Supplements Review and B Vitamin Supplements Review >>

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:A representative in a store selling vitamins and supplements advised me that it was better to use a powdered product that you mix with liquid than to take a pill, because the vitamins will be more completely absorbed. Is that true?

Answer:Powdered supplements that are mixed with liquid may be preferable for people who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, or have conditions that reduce the ability to digest foods. Normally, however, assuming that a pill is properly made to disintegrate in a short period of time in your stomach, it should not matter if you take a powder or a pill.

Nevertheless, be aware that ConsumerLab.com has found that about 5% of products sold as tablets don’t disintegrate as fast as they should, and some fail to disintegrate at all. In those situations, a powder would be preferable. You are unlikely to have any disintegration issues with regular capsules and softgels, although ConsumerLab.com has found that some enteric-coated and timed-release products release ingredients before they should. You can check the test results within our Product Reviews to see whether a tablet or enteric-coated or timed-release pill passed or failed our testing. You'll also see how powders fared because, absorption aside, some have failed our tests for other reasons.

If you do use a powdered supplement, be sure that when you mix it with a drink, you stir thoroughly and consume the full contents of the drink -- as some material may remain at the bottom of the cup. See our CL Answer to the question about moisture and clumping with some powders for tips about using and storing powdered supplements.

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:I noticed that some ingredients in my multivitamin have no daily value established. A few concern me, specifically Boron (150 mcg per tablet), Nickel (5 mcg per tablet), and Tin (10 mcg per tablet). Should I be concerned about these ingredients?

Answer:It may seem surprising to see ingredients like boron, nickel and tin on a supplement label. However, boron and nickel are found in many foods, and tin is sometimes used as an inactive ingredient in tablets. The small amounts found in your multivitamin do not pose a concern -- at the same time it's not clear if they offer any significant benefit. For more about boron, nickel, and tin see the full answer >>

(You can check the recommended intakes and upper limits for other vitamins and mineral here.)

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:Is there cause for concern with "gummy vitamins?" There are many different gummies out there. Are some better than others?

Answer:When gummies first became popular, ConsumerLab.com found that some did not contain their listed amounts of vitamins or minerals, or contained impurities. We have seen improvements in quality over time, but continue to find more problems with candy-like vitamins than with traditional forms, such as tablets and caplets. Manufacturing challenges associated with candy-like products likely explain the higher incidence of problems.

A benefit of gummies is that they may be more palatable than a pill. Also, being chewable, there is not the risk that the product won’t properly break apart, as there is with a tablet.

A risk with any candy-like supplement, particularly with children, is that too many will be consumed, potentially resulting in toxicity. It’s therefore best to give young children vitamins as needed and not leave them out. Also, keep in mind that not all vitamins and other ingredients are easily incorporated into gummies, so, if you are interested in a gummy supplement, check that it lists the ingredients you want.

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:Some websites claim that synthetic vitamin C in supplements may be a combination the active "L" form and the inactive "D" form of ascorbic acid. Is that true? Should I be concerned?

Answer:While it is true that only L-ascorbic acid (or L-ascorbate) is active, modern processes for manufacturing vitamin C for supplements produces only this form. So you would not get the "D" form from a supplement. For more information about vitamin C, including our tests and comparisons of supplements, see the Vitamin C Supplements Review >>

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:Please tell me which types of vitamins should not be taken together and which should be taken together for maximum effect.

Answer:
The question of when to take vitamins together or separately is an excellent one and which we address in the "What to Consider When Using" and "Concerns and Cautions" sections of our Reviews of vitamin or mineral supplements. How you take a supplement can be just as important as which product you take -- both may impact how much of a nutrient your body actually gets.

A few rules of thumb:

If you take a large dose of a mineral, it will compete with other minerals to reduce their absorption. The mineral most often taken in large amounts is calcium: The dose is usually several hundred of milligrams, compared to doses of just a few milligrams or even microgram amounts (1,000 micrograms = 1 milligram) of most other minerals. So if you take a calcium supplement, take it at a different time of day than other mineral supplements or a multivitamin/multimineral supplement. Doses of magnesium can also be relatively large and should, ideally, be taken apart from other minerals. If you take high doses of zinc long-term, be aware that it can cause copper deficiency, so you may need to supplement with copper as well.

Some vitamins can actually enhance the absorption of other nutrients. Vitamin C, for example, can enhance iron absorption from supplements and plant foods.

The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are likely to be better absorbed if taken with a meal that contains fats. In fact, one study found that taking vitamin D with dinner rather than breakfast increased blood levels of vitamin D by about 50%.

Taking certain supplements with food can reduce gastrointestinal side-effects. For example, taking magnesium with food can reduce the occurrence of diarrhea, and taking iron with food can reduce the chance of stomach upset.

Be aware that vitamins and minerals can also affect the absorption and effectiveness of medications. You'll find this information in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of each of our Reviews. You can also look up these drug interactions by drug name in our Encyclopedia.

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:Do vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements lose effectiveness with exposure to high temperatures and is it safe to order supplements by mail in the summer?

Answer:Many vitamins and other supplements can degrade faster and lose effectiveness when exposed to excessive heat, light, oxygen in the air, or humidity. Even under ideal conditions, vitamins normally degrade over time, but this process is accelerated by poor storage conditions. Although overly degraded supplements may not be unsafe to take, you won't receive the amount of ingredient stated on the label and may not get the desired effect.

See the full answer for how different types of supplements are affected by the environment, particularly heat, and what you should do to protect them. Get the Full Answer >>

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:Which supplements are important after bariatric surgery (i.e., weight loss or stomach-reducing surgery)? Are there any I should avoid?

Answer:Weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric band procedures, reduce the amount of food and liquid a person comfortably digest in one sitting, leading to smaller meals and potentially, inadequate nutrient intake. Gastric bypass (re-routing around the stomach) and gastric sleeve surgery (removing a portion of the stomach) also reduce stomach acid and normal digestive action, leading to reduced absorption of various vitamins and minerals. The use of supplemental vitamins and minerals is recommended for gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients, and sometimes for gastric band patients. However, for bypass and sleeve patients, the changes in digestion and nutrient absorption also mean that some supplements may not be tolerated or absorbed as well as others. For details about supplements to take or avoid, see the full answer >>

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Answer:Enteric coatings help protect supplement ingredients from being released in the stomach and keep them away from stomach acid and enzymes. This allows the supplement to stay intact until it reaches the less acidic small intestine (where most nutrient absorption takes place). An enteric coating may also be desirable for ingredients which, for some people, otherwise cause an unpleasant aftertaste. Consequently, with ingredients that need protection it is sometimes worthwhile to purchase an enterically coated supplement. However, enteric coatings are not always necessary or beneficial, and, in some case, may just be an expensive gimmick. There are also some concerns about enteric coatings of which you should be aware. See the full answer (with information about enteric coatings for fish oil, marine oils, probiotics, garlic, and SAMe)>>

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Multivitamins and minerals -- These are one of the most widely recommended supplements by physicians for children with autism. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 141 children and adults with autism found supplementation with a specially formulated liquid multivitamin/mineral (see ingredients and amounts here) which also contained CoQ10, MSM and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), improved the nutritional and metabolic status of children with autism, and significantly reduced symptoms such as hyperactivity and tantrums (Adams, BMC Pediatrics 2011). The supplement was given in three equal doses at breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more about multivitamins, including our most recent product tests and reviews, see the Multivitamin Supplements Review >>

Melatonin -- Many children with autism have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In fact, an estimated 50% to 80% of children with autism spectrum disorders may suffer from sleep difficulties or insomnia (Malow, J Autism Dev Disord 2013). Several studies have found individuals with autism to have lower levels of melatonin or melatonin metabolites than those without autism (Rossignol, Dev Med Child Neurol 2011). An analysis of 18 studies of people with autism (mostly children between the ages of 2- 18, although two studies included individuals over the age of 18) found that melatonin supplementation (in doses ranging from 0.75 mg to 25 mg daily) significantly improved the time it took to fall asleep and sleep duration, and, in some individuals, also improved daytime behavior (Rossignol, Dev Med Child Neurol 2011). Another study also found that a daily dose of 1 mg or 3 mg of melatonin improved sleep latency in children with autism spectrum disorder (Malow, J Autism Dev Disord 2013). For more about melatonin, including our most recent product tests and reviews, see the Melatonin Supplements Review >>

Probiotics -- Children with autism can experience significantly more gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain, than others (McElhanon, Pediatrics 2014), and probiotics may be helpful for some of these symptoms.

Because abnormal gut microbiota and gastrointestinal dysfunction in children with autism has also been associated with increased irritability, tantrums, aggressive behavior and sleep disturbances, researchers have proposed further study of the use of probiotics (Critchfield, Gastroenterol Res Pract 2011). One interesting, preliminary animal study found a specific bacterial strain, Bacteroides fragilis, improved gut permeability and autism-like behaviors in mice (Hsiao, Cell 2013). For more information about specific strains used to reduce abdominal pain, and our most recent product tests and reviews, see the Probiotic Supplements Review>>

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) -- This amino acid has been found to reduce irritability, but not other symptoms, in children with autism (Hardan, Biol Psychiatry 2012) and in children taking risperidone (an atypical antipsychotic drug sometimes prescribed for people with autism) (Ghanizadeh, BMC Psychiatry 2013). The dose in these studies ranged from 900 mg to 2,700 mg daily, which was generally well tolerated. (ConsumerLab.com will be testing NAC supplements later in 2014).

L-carnosine -- An 800 mg daily dose of L-carnosine for 8 weeks in children with autism was found to significantly improve scores on the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale in a small clinical study (Chez, J Child Neurol 2002).

Ubiquinol -- Some research on autism has proposed oxidative stress as a potential cause of neuronal dysfunction and clinical symptoms in autism (Gvozdjakova, Oxid Med Cell Longev 2014). Ubiquinol, which is the active form of CoQ10, taken at 50 mg twice per day, at morning and lunchtime, for three months, was found to improve communication, sleep, and decrease food rejection in a small study of children with autism, based on parental reports (Gvozdjakova, Oxid Med Cell Longev 2014). The authors noted that in the first days of supplementation, a small subset of children had increased anger, hyperactivity or sleep disturbance, which was managed by modifying the timing of the doses to morning and evening. For more about ubiquinol, including our most recent product tests and reviews, see the CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Review>>

Vitamin C -- One small study found significant improvements in behavior in autistic children who received a high dose of vitamin C (8,000 mg per 70 kg of body weight) daily when compared to placebo. (Dolske, Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 1993). It is important to note, however, that taking such a large dose of vitamin C may cause diarrhea in some people. For more about Vitamin C, including our most recent product tests and reviews, see the Vitamin C Supplements Review >>

See ConsumerLab.com’s Encyclopedia article on Autism for more information about supplements that may or may not be helpful.

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:I've been buying nutritional supplements in powder form, as I find them cheaper than tablets and capsules. I am concerned about the effect of air when I open the bottles daily because sometimes my powdered supplements get clumpy. Should I be concerned?

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:I'm trying to pick a good multivitamin for my children and husband, and for myself. Any suggestions based on your research?

Answer:If you're not sure you are eating a balanced diet, a multivitamin based on the daily requirements for your age and gender can be helpful and safe. Our Multivitamin/Multimineral Review includes our suggestions of specific multivitamins which 1) have passed our testing, 2) are well priced, and 3) can meet the specific needs of children, teens, women, men, as well as senior women and men. See the suggested products in the Multivitamin/Multimineral Review >>

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Question:I have heard that nascent iodine may be better than regular iodine or potassium iodide for thyroid support. Is this true, and what exactly is nascent iodine?

Answer:The term "iodine" actually describes a single atom of iodide bound to either another atom of iodide or to another compound. "Nascent iodine" was once used as simply another name for sodium iodide (an iodide atom bound to sodium). The term was then used by the American mysticist, Edgar Cayce, to describe a free form of iodine (i.e., a single atom of iodide unbound to any other atom) - apparently created by adding electromagnetic or another form of energy. However, when this free form of iodide is exposed to a positively charged ion, such as sodium or potassium, as it would be in a liquid supplement, it will bind with these to form sodium iodide or potassium iodide. Therefore, if you are buying a supplement promoted as "nascent iodine", it is most likely sodium iodide or potassium iodide. There do not appear to be any published, placebo-controlled studies on "nascent iodine" for thyroid support or any other use.

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Product Review:Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review

Initial Posting:4/9/13 Updated:2/7/15

Multivitamins Put to the Test; Defects Found in Nearly 40% Chosen for Review

Make Sure Your Multivitamin Passed! Check Results for 75 Products.

Multivitamins compared in report (alphabetical)

1-800-PetMeds Soft VitaChews for Cats

GNC Ultra Mega Green Women's

Pure Encapsulations Multi t/d

21st Century Sentry Multivitamin & Multimineral

GNC Women's Ultra Mega

Puritan's Pride ABC Plus Senior

All One Active Senior Powder

GNC Women's Ultra Mega 50 Plus

Rite Aid Multi-Vitamin Central-Vite Women's Mature

Alpha Betic Specialized Nutrition Multivitamin

GNC Women's Ultra Mega Active

Shaklee Vita-Lea Iron Formula

Andrew Lessman ProCaps Essential 1

GNC Women's Ultra Mega Energy & Metabolism

Simply Right (Sam's Club) Mature Women 50+ Multi

Berkley & Jensen Men's Daily (BJ's)

Hero Nutritionals Yummi Bears

Solaray Once Daily Woman

Bluebonnet Early Promise Prenatal Gentle Multiple

Jamieson Chewable Vita-Vin Wild Berry

Solgar Formula V VM-75

Carlson Super 2 Daily Vitamins & Minerals

Kal Enhanced Energy Teen

Source Naturals Mega-One

Centrum Silver

Kirkland Signature (Costco) Daily Multi

Spring Valley (Walmart) Prenatal

Centrum Multivitamin/Multimineral Flavor Burst

Life Extension Two Per Day

Stop Aging Now (SAN) Multi Nutrient Formula Basic

Country Life Maxi-Sorb Max for Men

MegaFood Women Over 40 One Daily

Stuart Prenatal

CVS Pharmacy Spectravite Senior

Melaleuca Vitality Multivitamin Men & Women 50+

The Vitamin Shoppe Multivitamins Ultimate Man Gold

Deva Vegan Multivitamin

Metagenics Bariatric Advantage Complete Multi Formula

Thorne Research Al's Formula

Dr. Mercola Whole Food Multivitamin Plus

Natrol My Favorite Multiple For Women Multivitamin

Trace Minerals Research Liquid Multi Vitamin-Mineral

Dr. Whitaker's Formula Plus Daily

Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA

Trader Joe's Vitamin Crusade High Potency Multi

Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol

Nature's Plus Animal Parade GOLD Children's Chewable

TwinLab Daily One Caps

Equate (Walmart) Active Adults 50+ Complete

Nature's Sunshine® Nature's Prenatal®

Up & Up (Target) Women's Daily Multivitamin

Finest Nutrition (Walgreens) Prenatal Vitamins

Nature's Way Alive Children's Chewable Multi-Vitamin

USANA Body Rox

Flintstones Plus Bone Building Support

Nature's Way Alive! Once Daily Women's Ultra Potency

USANA Essentials Chelated Mineral

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Women

NOW Vit-Min 75+

USANA Essentials Mega Antioxidant

GNC Mega Men Energy & Metabolism

Nutrilite Double X

USANA Usanimals

GNC Men's Mega Men

One-A-Day Women's

Vitamin Shoppe Ultimate Women Gold

GNC Men's Mega Men 50 Plus

Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men

Walgreens One Daily for Women

GNC Men's Mega Men Sport

PetNaturals of Vermont Daily Best for Dogs

Wellesse Multi Vitamin+

GNC Ultra Mega Green Men's

Pet-Tabs Vitamin-Mineral Supplement for Dogs

Whole Foods Women's Food Based Multi

Make sure the multivitamin you take passed our test and is best for you!
Isn't your health worth it?

If you're worried that you don't get enough nutrients from your diet, you might want to hedge your bets with a multivitamin. But what's really in that pill, powder, or liquid? If you're not careful, you might not get what you bargained for. In its latest review and quality rating of multivitamins, ConsumerLab.com found defects in nearly 40% of multivitamins it selected for testing. Here are some of the discoveries:

One popular general multivitamin contained nearly 2.5 times its claimed amount of vitamin A in the retinol form. Too much of this type of vitamin A can be harmful.

12 multivitamins provided less vitamin A, vitamin C, or folate, or than claimed, some with less than 30% of the listed amounts. These include a prenatal vitamin and products for men, adults (general), seniors, and even pets.

Tablets of a women’s multi and a general adult multi failed to break apart within the required time -- indicating they may not fully release all of their ingredients for absorption.

One pet multivitamin was contaminated with lead.

A range of multivitamins contained more than the upper tolerable limits of niacin, vitamin A, magnesium, and/or zinc.

ConsumerLab.com also found wholesale club and discount retailer versions of popular national multis that deliver the same ingredients but cost 40% to 70% less.

To avoid problems and find the best multivitamin at the best price, subscribe today and get the full test results for multivitamins plus ConsumerLab.com's reviews and recommendations. In this comprehensive report, covering more than 70 products, you'll discover:

Which multivitamins failed testing and which passed, earning top quality ratings -- and why

Question:How likely are Americans to be deficient in vitamins or minerals? Get the answer >>

Question:Is it better to get vitamins from foods or supplements, and are natural vitamins better than synthetic vitamins? Get the answer >>

Question:I'm thinking of changing my multivitamin, but the one I'm considering doesn't contain molybdenum. Most others have it. How important is molybdenum? Get the answer >>

Question:The maker of my multivitamin says it doesn't include folic acid because too much from supplements can be harmful. Is that true? Get the answer >>

Question:A representative in a store selling vitamins and supplements advised me that it was better to use a powdered product that you mix with liquid than to take a pill, because the vitamins will be more completely absorbed. Is that true? Get the answer >>

Question:I noticed that some ingredients in my multivitamin have no daily value established. A few concern me, specifically Boron (150 mcg per tablet), Nickel (5 mcg per tablet), and Tin (10 mcg per tablet). Should I be concerned about these ingredients? Get the answer >>

Question:Is there cause for concern with "gummy vitamins?" There are many different gummies out there. Are some better than others? Get the answer >>

Question:Some websites claim that synthetic vitamin C in supplements may be a combination the active "L" form and the inactive "D" form of ascorbic acid. Is that true? Should I be concerned? Get the answer >>

Question:Please tell me which types of vitamins should not be taken together and which should be taken together for maximum effect. Get the answer >>

Question:Do vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements lose effectiveness with exposure to high temperatures and is it safe to order supplements by mail in the summer? Get the answer >>

Question:Which supplements are important after bariatric surgery (i.e., weight loss or stomach-reducing surgery)? Are there any I should avoid? Get the answer >>

Question:Which supplements have been shown to be helpful for autism? Get the answer >>

Question:I've been buying nutritional supplements in powder form, as I find them cheaper than tablets and capsules. I am concerned about the effect of air when I open the bottles daily because sometimes my powdered supplements get clumpy. Should I be concerned? Get the answer >>

Question:I'm trying to pick a good multivitamin for my children and husband, and for myself. Any suggestions based on your research? Get the answer >>

Question:I have heard that nascent iodine may be better than regular iodine or potassium iodide for thyroid support. Is this true, and what exactly is nascent iodine? Get the answer >>